Silicone rubber composition

Abstract: A silicone rubber composition having good processability and good molding properties is disclosed, said composition comprising: (A) an organopolysiloxane containing vinyl groups; (B) a fluorine resin powder; (C) an organopolysiloxane containing units having the formula F(CF₂) a CH₂CH₂Si(Me) n O (3-n)/2 in which a is an integer of at least 4, n is 0, 1 or 2 and Me denotes a methyl radical; (D) a reinforcing silica powder having a surface area of at least 50 m²/g; and (E) a sufficient quantity of a curing agent to cure said composition.

Description: This invention relates to a silicone rubber composition that can be used to make a silicone rubber having good processability, good molding characteristics, and good physical after curing. Since silicone rubber compositions can be used to make molded products having good resistance to both heat and cold, these compositions are used for applications requiring the above-mentioned properties. To improve both the processability and the molding properties of silicone rubber compositions, silicone rubber compositions containing fluorine resin powders were introduced by patent applications. For example, a conductive silicone rubber having an improved rolling processability and containing fluorine resin powder in the organopolysiloxane raw rubber is disclosed in JP-A 58-194949. A rubber-type elastic material used for typing characters and having both good abrasion resistance and good dimensional stability, and containing fluorine resin powders such as polytetrafluoroethylene, in the silicone raw rubber is disclosed in JP-A 60-36171. However, when a large amount of fluorine resin powder is used, the viscosity of the silicone rubber composition becomes so high that both the processability and the molding properties are decreased. As a solution, this invention provides silicone rubber compositions with excellent physical properties after curing, as well as with good molding properties and processability. It is prepared by mixing fluorine resin powders and specific organopolysiloxane into a silicone composition containing vinyl functional diorganopolysiloxane and reinforcing silica. This invention therefore introduces a silicone rubber composition, comprising (A) a diorganopolysiloxane containing vinyl groups (100 parts by weight), (B) a fluorine resin powder (0.01-50 parts by weight), (C) an organopolysiloxane (0.01-40 parts by weight) containing a unit of the following formula: F(CF 2 ) a CH 2 CH 2 Si(Me) n O (3-n)/2 wherein a is an integer of 4 or greater, n is 0 or 1 or 2, and Me denotes a methyl group, (D) a reinforcing silica powder (10-100 parts by weight) having a specific surface area of at least 50 m 2 /g, and (E) a curing agent. The organopolysiloxane containing vinyl groups as component (A) of this invention can be any conventional organopolysiloxane used as the chief component of a silicone rubber. Examples include the following: dimethylpolysiloxane with terminal dimethylvinylsiloxy groups; copolymers of a dimethylsiloxane and methylvinylsiloxane, having terminal dimethylvinylsiloxy groups; copolymers of a dimethylsiloxane and methylvinylsiloxane having terminal trimethylsiloxy groups and methylvinylsiloxane; and copolymers of a dimethylsiloxane and dimethylvinylsiloxane having terminal dimethylhydroxysiloxy groups. The preferred content of the methylvinylsiloxane units are 0.1-5 mol%. The polymerization degree of this component is 100-20,000. Examples of the fluorine resin powder used as component (B) for the composition of this invention include polymers of polytetrafluoroethylene or copolymers of tetrafluoroethylene and other monomers. Examples of other monomers include: hexafluoropropylene, chlorotrifluoroethylene, perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether, perfluoroalkoxyalkyl vinyl ether, trifluoroethylene, perfluoroalkylethylene. Either spherical, oval, flaky, cylindrical, stringy or fibrous primary particles of this component can be used. The size is suitably 100 µm or less, preferably 0.05-10 µm. The amount of this component is 0.01-50 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the component (A), preferably 0.1-20 parts by weight per 100 parts of (A). An organopolysiloxane containing units of the formula F(CF 2 ) a CH 2 CH 2 SiMe n O (3-n)/2 is used as component (C) for this invention. This component characterizes the composition of this invention, and works as a compatibilizing agent for components (A) and (B). In the above-mentioned formula, a is an integer of 4 or greater, e.g., 4 or 6 or 8. However, these can be mixed. The variable n is 0 or 1 or 2. When n is 0 or 1, the units of F(CF 2 ) a CH 2 CH 2 SiMe n O (3-n)/2 are located in the main chain of this component. When n is 2, the units of F(CF 2 ) a CH 2 CH 2 SiMe n O 3-n/2 are located at a terminus of this component. Either a straight-chain, branched, or ring structure may be suitable for this component. The viscosity of this component is preferably in the range of 10-10,000 mPa.s (cP) at 25°C. The amount of this component to be used is from 0.01-40 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of component (A), preferably 0.1-10 parts by weight. When used at level of less than 0.01 part by weight, it is not effective as a compatibilizing agent for components (A) and (B). At more than 40 parts by weight of (C), the physical properties of the silicone rubber deteriorate as the composition is cured. Examples of this component include organopolysiloxanes of the following formulas: F(CF 2 ) a C 2 H 4 Si(Me) 2 O(Me 2 SiO) x Si(Me) 2 C 2 H 4 (CF 2 ) a F Me 3 SiO(F(CF 2 ) a C 2 H 4 SiMeO) y (Me 2 SiO) z SiMe 3 and The variable a of formula (a) is the same as mentioned above. The variable x is an integer from 0-300. When x is more than 300, this component is not effective as a compatibilizing agent. Examples of synthesis methods for the preparation of organosiloxanes of formula (a) include the following: hydrolysis of fluoroalkyldimethylchlorosilane, cohydrolysis of both fluoroalkyldimethylchlorosilane and dimethyldichlorosilane, and equilibrium polymerization of fluoroalkylmethylpolysiloxanes made by the above-mentioned method and cyclic dimethyl polysiloxanes in the presence of a polymerizing catalyst. The variable a of formula (b) is the same as mentioned above; y and z are integers of 1 or greater. The ratio y / z is from 0.1 to 0.9 and ( y + z ) is from 2 to 1,000. When ( y + z ) is more than 1000, the viscosity of this component becomes so high that the effectiveness of this component as a compatibilizing agent is decreased. The organopolysiloxane of formula (b) is a copolymer, examples including both random copolymers and block copolymers. Synthesis methods for the preparation of organopolysiloxanes of formula (b) include the following: cohydrolysis of a fluoroalkylmethyldichlorosilane and dimethyldichlorosilane, followed by equilibrium copolymerization with a disiloxane of the formula (Me 3 Si) 2 O in the presence of a basic catalyst; conventional dehydration polycondensation of α,ω-dihydroxypolyfluoroalkylmethylsiloxane (synthesized by hydrolysis of a fluoroalkylmethyldichlorosilane), with α,ω-dihydroxypolydimethylsiloxane (synthesized by hydrolysis of dimethyldichlorosilane), or chain extension of α,ω-dihydroxypolyfluoroalkylmethylsiloxane and α,ω-dihydroxy-polydimethylsiloxane in the presence of e.g., Me 3 SiOH. An organic solvent is often used for the synthesis of the organopolysiloxane of formula (b). The same value of the subscript a as mentioned above is used for formula (c); both p and q are integers of 1 or greater. ( p + q ) is suitably between 3 and 40. The cyclic organopolysiloxane of formula (c) is a random copolymer or block copolymer, a block copolymer being preferred for this component. Examples of synthesis methods for the preparation of the cyclic organopolysiloxane of formula (c) include the following: equilibrating an α,ω-dihydroxyfluoroalkylmethylsiloxane/dimethylsiloxane copolymer, (synthesized by the cohydrolysis of a fluoroalkylmethyldichlorosilane with dimethyldichlorosilane), using a conventional basic catalyst, followed by conversion of the equilibrated product to a cyclic product; conventional dehydration polycondensation of an α,ω-dihydroxy- polyfluoroalkylmethylsiloxane (synthesized by hydrolysis of a fluoroalkylmethyldichlorosilane) with α,ω-dihydroxypolydimethyl-siloxane (synthesized by hydrolysis of dimethyldichlorosilane) or chain extension. An organic solvent is often used for the synthesis of the cyclic organopolysiloxane represented in general formula (c). Any conventional type of reinforcing silica powder can be used for component (D) of the composition of this invention as a filler. Examples of these powders include the following: fumed silica fine made by a dry method, sintered silica powder, precipitated silica powder made by a wet method. Hydrophobic silica powder with surfaces which have been treated with either dimethyldichlorosilane or hexamethyldisilazane also can be used. The specific surface area of this component is equal to 50 m 2 /g or more, preferably 100-400 m 2 /g. The content of this component is 10-100 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of component (A), preferably 20-50 parts. A curing agent is used as component (E) of this invention for curing the composition. Any conventional type of curing agent used for curing a silicone rubber composition is suitable. Examples of curing agents include the following: agents consisting of a combination of either organic peroxide or an organohydrogen polysiloxane containing 2 or more silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms per molecule and a platinum catalyst. Examples of organic peroxides include the following: benzoyl peroxide, dicumyl peroxide, ditert-butyl peroxide, tert-butylmonochlorobenzoyl peroxide, and 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(tert-butylperoxy)hexane. Examples of organohydrogen polysiloxanes include: dimethylsiloxane/methyl hydrogen siloxane copolymers, both ends of which are terminated with trimethylsiloxy groups; methyl hydrogen polysiloxanes, both ends of which are terminated with trimethylsiloxy groups; cyclic methyl hydrogen siloxane. Examples of platinum catalysts include: chloroplatinic acid, complexes of chloroplatinic acids and olefin compounds; and complexes of chloroplatinic acid and divinyltetramethyldisiloxane. The composition of this invention is prepared by homogeneously mixing all of the above-mentioned components (A)-(E). Any conventional additive used for silicone rubber compositions may also be used in addition to these components. Examples of such additives include diorganopolysiloxanes containing silanol endgroups and having a low polymerization degree. This diorganopolysiloxane is used as a wetting agent for increasing the affinity between component (A) (diorganopolysiloxane) and component (D) (reinforcing silica powder). Examples of organic groups contained in a main chain of this additive diorganopolysiloxane include the following: alkyl groups such as methyl groups, ethyl groups, and propyl groups; aryl groups such as phenyl groups; alkenyl groups such as vinyl groups; and 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl groups. A F(CF 2 ) a CH 2 CH 2 group may be included as an organic group to increase compatibility with the organopolysiloxane of component (C). The preferred polymerization degree for the organopolysiloxane additive is 2-100, preferably 2-30. Examples of other additives which may be used include: volume-increasing fillers such as finely crushed quartz, diatomaceous earth, calcium carbonate, and aluminosilicate; heat-resistant agents such as iron oxide, cerium oxide, aluminum oxide, zinc oxide, and manganese carbonate; fire-retardant agent; titanium; and carbon black. Because the composition of this invention contains component (C) which is used as a compatibilizing agent, the compatibility between components (A) and (B) is increased; this results in an improvement in the dispersibility of component (B) in component (A) and the amount of component (B) to be contained in the composition can be increased. Accordingly, a silicone rubber having good physical properties and exhibiting no damage to either the processability or molding properties can be made. Examples This invention is explained by the following application examples. Unless indicated to the contrary, "parts" means parts by weight, "Me" is a methyl group, the viscosity is as measured at 25°C, and cP means centipoise. Example 1 The following components were uniformly blended in a kneader mixer: 100 parts of a diorganopolysiloxane containing vinyl groups whose ends had been terminated with dimethylvinylsiloxy groups, having a value of 7,000 for the average polymerization degree, and consisting of 99.5 mol% dimethylsiloxane units and 0.5 mol% methylvinylsiloxane units, 1 part of polytetrafluoroethylene resin powder having an average particle size distribution of 0.2-0.3 µm (Mitsui Du Pont Fluorochemical K.K., brand: Teflon® 6C-J), 1 part of an organopolysiloxane of the formula F(CF 2 ) 8 C 2 H 4 SiMe 2 O(Me 2 SiO) x' SiMe 2 C 2 H 4 (CF 2 ) 8 F in which x ' is the value required to provide a viscosity of 50 mPa.s (cP), 35 parts of fumed silica which was hydrophobically treated with dimethyldichlorosilane and having a value of 200 m 2 /g for the specific surface area. Then, the mixture was heated for 2 hours at 120°C to make a silicone rubber base. 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(tert-butylperoxy)hexane (0.5 part) was added to the above silicone rubber base (100 parts), and the combination was homogeneously mixed using 2 rollers to make a silicone rubber composition. The product silicone rubber composition was press molded at 170°C under 30 kgf/cm 2 for 10 minutes. A silicone rubber sheet having a 2-mm thickness was made. After heating the product sheet to 200°C for 4 hours in an oven, the physical properties of the sheet were measured. The measurements were based on JIS K 6301. The results are shown in Table I. Example 2 The silicone rubber base of Example 1 (100 parts), was homogeneously mixed with the following; methyl- hydrogenpolysiloxane (1 part), both ends of which were terminated with trimethylsiloxy groups, having a 20 mPa.s (cP) viscosity, a complex of chloroplatinic acid and divinyltetramethyldisiloxane (an amount equivalent to 25 ppm platinum weight), and phenylbutanol used as a reaction inhibitor, (0.05 part). A silicone rubber composition was made and press molded at 150°C under 30 kgf/cm 2 for 10 minute to make a 2 mm-thick silicone rubber sheet. The physical properties of the sheet were measured and the results are shown in Table I. Comparative Example 1 A silicone rubber composition was made by the same process used for Example 1 but the organopolysiloxane of formula F(CF 2 ) 8 C 2 H 4 SiMe 2 O(Me 2 SiO) x' SiMe 2 C 2 H 4 (CF 2 ) 8 F was omitted. The resulting silicone rubber composition was molded in the same pressing process used for Example 1 to make a silicone rubber sheet. However, the viscosity of the composition was so high that it was difficult to fill the mold and a satisfactory sheet could not be made. Example 3 The following ingredients were uniformly mixed in a kneader mixer: diorganopolysiloxane (100 parts) both ends of which were terminated with trimethylsiloxane groups, and consisting of dimethylsiloxane units (99.5 mol%) and methylvinylsiloxane units (0.5 mol%), and which had an average polymerization degree of 7,000, polytetrafluoroethylene resin powder (5 parts) having an average particle size of 3 µm; an organopolysiloxane (0.6 part) of the formula Me 3 SiO(C 4 F 9 C 2 H 4 SiMeO) y' (Me 2 SiO) z' SiMe 3 in which y ' : z ' equal to 1:1, having a viscosity of 700 mPa.s (cp), a cyclic organopolysiloxane (0.4 part) of the following formula: wherein the ratio of p ': q ' is 1:1 and the viscosity was 70 mPa.s (cp), fumed silica (30 parts) having a specific surface area of 110 m 2 /g. Then, the mixture was treated by heating at 120°C for 2 hours to make a silicone rubber base. 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(tert-butylperoxy)hexane (0.5 part) was added to the above silicone rubber base (100 parts), and the combination homogeneously mixed using 2 rollers. The product silicone rubber composition was press molded at 170°C under 30 kgf/cm 2 for 10 min. A silicone rubber sheet having a 2-mm thickness was made. The sheet was heated in an oven for 4 hours at 200°C, then the physical properties of the sheet were measured. The results are shown in Table I. Example 4 Diorganopolysiloxane (100 parts) whose ends were terminated with dimethylvinylsiloxane groups, and which consisted of dimethylsiloxane units (99.7 mol%) and methylvinylsiloxane units (0.3 mol%), and having a value of 7,000 for the average polymerization degree was placed in a kneader mixer. Dimethylpolysiloxane (8 parts), both ends of which were terminated with dimethylvinylsiloxane groups, and which had an average polymerization degree of 5, was also placed in the kneader mixer. Then, fumed silica (35 parts) having a specific surface area of 300 m 2 /g was also introduced, and homogeneously kneaded in. Then, polytetrafluoroethylene resin powder (2 parts) having an average particle size distribution of 0.2-0.3 µm (Mitsui Du Pont Fluorochemical K.K., brand: Teflon® 6C-J) and an organopolysiloxane (0.8 part) of the formula Me 3 SiO(F(CF 2 ) 8 C 2 H 4 SiMeO) y'' (Me 2 SiO) z'' SiMe 3 (ratio of y '': z '' is equal to 1:5) and having a 500 mPa.s (cP) viscosity, was added, then kneaded for 1 hour. A silicone rubber base was made. 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(tert-butylperoxy)hexane (0.5 part) was added to the above silicone rubber base (100 parts), then homogeneously mixed using 2 rollers. A silicone rubber composition was made. The product silicone rubber composition was press molded at 170°C under 30 kgf/cm 2 for 10 min to make a silicone rubber sheet having a 2-mm thickness. The sheet was heated in an oven for 4 hours at 200°C, and the physical properties of the sheet were measured. The measurements were based on JIS K 6301 and the results are shown in Table I. Classification Item Example 1 2 3 4 Hardness (JIS K) 52 53 54 55 Tensile Strength (kgf/cm 2 ) 99 105 90 110 Elongation (%) 480 550 390 670 Breaking Strength (kgf/cm 2 ) 24 25 23 25

Claims: A silicone rubber composition comprising: (A) 100 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane containing vinyl groups; (B) 0.01 to 50 parts by weight of a fluorine resin powder; (C) 0.01 to 40 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane containing units having the formula F(CF 2 ) a CH 2 CH 2 Si(Me) n O (3-n)/2 in which a is an integer of at least 4, n is 0, 1 or 2 and Me denotes a methyl radical; (D) 10 to 100 parts by weight of a reinforcing silica powder having a surface area of at least 50 m 2 /g; and (E) a sufficient quantity of a curing agent to cure said composition. The composition according to claim 1, wherein said fluorine resin powder (B) is polytetrafluoroethylene. The composition according to claim 1, wherein said organopolysiloxane (A) is selected from dimethylpolysiloxane having terminal dimethylvinylsiloxy groups, copolymers of dimethylsiloxane and methylvinylsiloxane having terminal dimethylvinylsiloxy groups, copolymers of dimethylsiloxane and methylvinylsiloxane having terminal trimethylsiloxy groups and copolymers of dimethylsiloxane and methylvinylsiloxane having terminal dimethylhydroxysiloxy groups. The composition according to claim 3, wherein said component (C) is selected from organopolysiloxanes represented by the formula F(CF 2 ) a CH 2 CH 2 Si(Me) 2 O(Me 2 SiO) x SiMe 2 CH 2 CH 2 (CF 2 ) a F in which x is an integer having a value of 0 to 300; the formula Me 3 SiO(F(CF 2 ) a CH 2 CH 2 SiMeO) y (Me 2 SiO) z SiMe 3 in which y and z are integers having a value of at least 1, the ratio y / z is 0.1 to 0.9 and ( y + z ) is 2 to 1000; and the formula in which p and q are integers having a value of at least 1 and ( p + q ) is 3 to 40. The composition according to claim 1, wherein 0.1 to 20 parts by weight of said component (B), 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of said component (C) and 20 to 50 parts by weight of said component (D) are used for each 100 parts by weight of said component (A). The composition according to claim 1, wherein said curing agent (E) is selected from an organic peroxide or an organohydrogenpolysiloxane and a platinum catalyst. A cured rubber article fabricated from the composition of claim 3.

Inventors: KOBAYASHI HIDEKI, KOBAYASHI, HIDEKI, Kobayashi, Hideki, Main Office for R. &amp; D.
Applicants: DOW CORNING TORAY SILICONE, DOW CORNING TORAY SILICONE COMPANY, LIMITED
Application year: 1994
Main classification: C08L83
IPC codes: C08L83, C08K3, C04B28, C08K5